What legal order compels a public official to perform a required duty?

A writ of mandamus is a legal order that specifically compels a public official or a government agency to perform a duty that is required by law. This type of writ is often used when a government official has failed to act in accordance with their legal obligations, and it serves as a means of enforcing the law by ensuring that duties are carried out as mandated.

The use of a writ of mandamus is grounded in the principle that the law must be followed, and public officials must uphold their responsibilities. For example, if a public official is obligated to issue a permit or make a decision within a certain timeframe but fails to do so, an individual can seek a writ of mandamus to compel the official to fulfill that duty.

Other legal orders mentioned do not fulfill this specific role. A writ of certiorari is used for higher courts to review decisions made by lower courts. A writ of injunction is a type of order that prohibits a party from taking certain action rather than compelling them to act. Lastly, a writ of habeas corpus is a legal remedy that protects against unlawful detention or imprisonment, allowing individuals to challenge the legality of their detention. Each of these has distinct functions that do not align with compelling duty execution by a public official, reinforcing